09 June 2018

I was lucky enough to sail on Silversea Expedition on an 8-night voyage between San Francisco and Vancouver. The ship was very small and because of this, had limited facilities compared to most cruise ships. Silversea Explorer is built to reach the small ports and rivers around the world allowing passengers to experience the towns and scenery and wildlife which is inaccessible for larger ships. The vessel has limited facilities as far as entertainment and restaurant choice go due to the nature of the cruise. However, there was a bar which doubled up as an entertaining lounge in the evening with piano music and lounge singer. During the day there was also a viewing lounge/library at the front of the ship where drinks could also be served to guests wanting to view from the warmth of the lounge. DAILY LECTURE/UPDATE The expedition crew did a daily update in the small theatre (which also doubles up as a cinema on occasions), with photos, maps and information on the following days port of call as well as a summary of wildlife viewed on the previous day. These were enthusiastically presented by the expedition staff who really involved everyone (who wanted to) in the local sights, walks, flora and the abundance of wildlife that we saw during our day. As this cruise was specifically designed to view the marine life, there were specialist whale and dolphin experts who kept a constant look out for passing wildlife making announcements so that passengers could go on deck to view and take photographs. It was not unusual for announcements to occur during meal times and as this is a casual cruise, guests did occasionally visit the deck to view the wildlife and then return to continue dinner service. On occasions where viewing was better, they even permitted passengers to go onto the forward bow which is usually out of bounds to passengers. FOOD & DRINKS There was one main restaurant onboard offering high quality fine dining menu for dinner with a buffet service at lunchtime and breakfast. Freshly prepared and waiter served menu was also available at breakfast. There is also the 24-hour room service menu which could be enjoyed in your suite, the restaurant or on deck if preferred. The menu always had a nice choice, but as the ship is so small the choice was scaled down from what you would expect on a larger traditional cruise ship. The quality however was excellent and the service exceptional. In addition to the main restaurant, guests were invited to reserve a table at “Hot Rocks” which is an informal steak and seafood restaurant prepared daily on the deck. Capacity is limited so booking was required although there was no cover charge. Hot rocks served your choice of steak and seafood served to you raw with a very hot stone on which you could cook your own food. Vegetables, baked potatoes and salad were served to accompany your main course. It was great fun, although the night we booked the weather was a bit too cold, however, the waiters came around with blankets to keep us warm. A full bar service is available in the bar lounge as well as on deck and with meals. All drinks including the mini bar in your suite is included in the cost of the voyage. EXCURSIONS There was a selection of excursions available each day with the focus on wildlife, scenery and walks/hikes specifically tailored to the itinerary. Guests could select any excursion they wished and if the duration was over a meal time, complimentary boxed meals and drinks were provided. Very well organised and excellent guides too. ZODIAC The ship was not always able to dock alongside the quay and in this event, guests went ashore by the Zodiac inflatables. They were a little tricky to board at first, but always lots of help available and even the elderly were able to use them with comfort and knowledge they were in safe hands BUTLER SUITES The suite was fairly compact but had all the necessary features including a complimentary mini bar, large flat screen TV, sitting area with small table for in suite dining and very comfortable beds. The shower was spacious with a power shower head and Bvulgari toiletries were provided in all suites. Every guest has a butler to attend to their needs and our butler was really professional, friendly and very efficient. SERVICE Every crew member from the cabin attendants, bar staff, waiting staff, expedition leaders and butlers were outstanding. PASSENGER SUITABILITY The ship may have access issues for some guests. There is a lift to most areas of the ship, but I would not recommend this to any person who requires a wheelchair. The crew are extremely patient and anyone who is elderly or has minor mobility issues will be absolutely fine. VALUE FOR MONEY Taking into account the quality of food, service and the fact that all drinks and excursions are included, Silver Explorer is exceptional value for money. I chose to extend my stay in San Francisco for two nights pre-cruise and a further two night in Vancouver post cruise. This is something I am happy to arrange for my clients on any cruise.

20 June 2014

APT River Cruise, 5th June 2014 Before I boarded the vessel, I was expecting a modest vessel with basic cabins. I was expecting most of the passengers to be European and therefore the cuisine to match. I also expected the whole operation to be geared up to suit the European market with limited English being spoken. How wrong could I have been! My AMA Waterways River Cruise experience was thoroughly enjoyable! The passenger cabins were very well designed and although fairly compact, there was ample room and the furnishings were exceptionally high quality. The bathrooms were extremely well designed and fitted to a very high standard. The crew were extremely attentive and the service would match any of the big sea cruise companies and exceed most! It was a great chance to sightsee in the posts of call with virtually all the excursions being included. The guides were exceptional and the tours very well organised. Food on board was better than many sea cruise companies and the choice was excellent. One of the highlights was the D Day Anniversary Remembrance taking place in Normandy which formed part of our cruise excursions. All the ports of call were great and the tours departed efficiently. My favourite had to be Honfleur and Givernay where we visited Monets Garden. The radio commentary system used by the guides worked very well. I was really pleased to find that most of the passengers were Australian and American. This made for a great atmosphere on board and the other passengers were great company too. I was very surprised at the quality of the ship and particularly appreciated the great informal but very professional service. The balance was perfect. I would recommend an AMA Waterways River Cruise to any of my passengers as it would appeal to such a wide audience. The River Cruises certainly exceeded my expectations and the quality in every respect was faultless. The key points which made the cruise such a success are: • The majority of passengers being Australian and English speaking • It is great to have good wine included in the price for dinner • The waiters being very generous with the wine too! • Great way to see Europe leisurely. So many city breaks can be hard work and stressful, not to mention the other option being a coach tour. The river cruise took away all the hard work and was very relaxing • Most of the ports were very close to the city centre or a short coach ride away which means that people can go ashore for a few hours if they wish and return for lunch and have a restful afternoon on board or stay ashore exploring all day if they prefer • The food was exceptional • The product is well refined and it is difficult to offer suggestions for improvement • The crew on board were superb from the cabin attendants, waiters in the bar and Restaurants to the Cruise director and Hotel Manager Overall a great experience and one which I will HIGHLY recommend to my clients and colleagues.

21 April 2014

I was lucky enough to sail on one of the new generation of river ships operated by Avalon Waterways. From start to finish, the arrangements were outstanding, with a personal chauffeur driven car to collect me from my doorstep and promptly drop me off in good time for my flight to Amsterdam. On arrival into Amsterdam, I was met by the Avalon guide who then took me to a hotel located close to the city centre where refreshments were provided. Whilst there was a four hour wait before boarding the ship, I walked into town and spent a leisurely afternoon exploring the city on foot. I boarded the Avalon Expression at around 4pm and was promptly shown to my cabin. The cabin was outstanding, particularly taking into consideration that this is a river vessel so space is at a premium. The double bed which faced the triple width Juliet balcony was remarkably comfortable and the entire cabin furnished to a high standard. The bathroom was spacious and beautifully presented with marble tiles and surfaces. The cabin had a nice sitting area which was wonderful, particularly when the patio doors were fully open. There was lots of cupboards, drawers and wardrobe space for two adults were provided in all cabins. A good sized flat screen TV had many European channels including the BBC and also a very wide selection of well-known movies which could be viewed without further charge. After settling in, a short meeting was called by the cruise director who explained the safety features and also a rundown of the week’s itinerary, over a glass of complimentary Champagne. The itinerary was very interesting and enjoyable with at least one excursion or walking tour included every day. Numerous other excursions by coach were available for those who wanted to see the ports of call and local attractions in more detail. Most of the optional excursions by coach were in the region of £30 to £40 per person depending on whether any entrance fees were included. One of the highlights included in the price was a visit to Keukenhof to see the spectacular bulb fields famous in The Netherlands. This was about a 90 minute coach ride and the travel and entrance was also included as standard. Local guides were there to meet us at each place we visited and it was interesting to do many of the walking tours included with the knowledgeable guides. The meals served on the ship were excellent. There was a good choice every day for the buffet breakfast with a chef preparing egg dishes to order, Bucks Fizz and smoothies also available daily. Lunch was a mixture of self service and a selection of waiter served dishes from the menu. The choice of food was very wide with soft drinks included. Dinner was one of the daily highlights. The a la carte menu was different each day with a small selection of main course dishes to choose from, as well as the regular choices of salmon, grilled chicken and fillet steak which were always available daily with a choice of vegetables/salads etc. A varied selection of starters, salads, soups and deserts/cheese made up the five courses. Local complimentary wine and beers were included in the restaurant for dinner. Each day there was entertainment provided in the spacious lounge and bar where most days, local entertainers would board and play music as well as the resident entertainer. Bar prices were very reasonable, but each day they had a half price happy hour which made the drinks very cheap! There was a spacious sundeck with a Jacuzzi on the top deck, but in April, this was too cold to use. A Club Lounge at the rear of the ship was a great place to escape to for a quiet coffee (complimentary) as well as a small selection of cakes and pastries daily. At the end of the week, transfers to Amsterdam Airport were very efficiently arranged with guests on later flights able to use the lounge with refreshments at the hotel free of charge. It was fantastic to arrive back into the UK to see my chauffeur waiting to bring me back home! There is no doubt that Avalon offer a very high standard cruise with a great deal of thought put into everything from the journey to the ship, food and wine on board, not to mention the fantastic crew, the facilities and comfort of the ship as well as the included excursions. Many other river cruise companies include all excursions, but I felt that Avalon have a good balance between the included excursions and those at additional cost. Of course if all excursions were included, the cost would increase for everyone. This way, passengers have the choice to please themselves. Highly recommended.

06 December 2013

I was lucky enough to be invited to Barbados travelling business class with British Airways and staying at three of the elegant hotels property is on the islands. The first two nights we stayed at the Turtle Beach hotel on the south of the island close to Barbados airport. This is a four-star family orientated property offering an all-inclusive board and drinks arrangements. This hotel is a short walk to lively St Lawrence Gap. The hotel was very comfortable with spacious modern rooms. Main meals were taken in an outdoor restaurant next to the pool and beach and all meals were buffet service. There was always a good choice for both breakfast and dinner. The beach on which the hotel is located was pristine yet swimming from the beach could be restricted due to tidal conditions. The second hotel we stayed at was the Crystal Cove. This is a delightful property and whilst small, it had endless charm and the service by the staff in both the restaurant and throughout the hotel was very relaxed and friendly. The rooms were fairly compact in size yet very comfortable. Many of the rooms did look a little tired and some attention to bathrooms was required (I understand this is part of an ongoing process of improvements). All the rooms had easy access to the swimming pool area and also the small yet beautiful, pristine beach. The restaurant served an excellent buffet breakfast and in the evening, dinner was waiter service in the main restaurant. For a four star all inclusive hotel, the food served was of an excellent standard. The hotel had a small swimming pool on the beach side with a swim up bar. Most evenings around the pool side there was entertainment with local entertainers and the standard was exceptionally high. This property is ideal for couples of all ages, limited entertainment for children. The welcome and friendliness of the staff was exceptional. The final hotel where we stayed was Tamarind. The hotel is located on a pristine beach and has lots of water sports complimentary to guests of the hotel. This property is offered on a bed and breakfast basis with the option to upgrade to half-board. There are a good number of restaurants close by but the option to take half-board is a good idea as the standards were very high and it will be a good saving overall. The rooms were undoubtedly the nicest of the three hotels we stayed at with modern bathrooms all recently refurbished and ample space in the guest rooms for couples or families. During our stay we took an excursion zip wiring above the trees of the Barbados forest over 200 feet above ground. This was an exhilarating experience and is well worth doing if you are adventurous! We also went to play polo on horseback and visit the magnificent golf course at Apes Hill, one of the top golf courses in the world set amongst breath-taking scenery. Another day we sailed up the west coast on a catamaran with the opportunity to swim with turtles, perfect for a relaxing day in the sun. An excellent lunch was served with an endless supply of rum punch! We also dined at both Champers and Daphne’s restaurants. These two restaurants are frequented by many famous people who visit the island and the food and service was exceptional, a real treat! Table reservations are essential. We also had dinner at Oistins which is the local fish market in Bridgetown. The market has numerous seafood stalls serving the catch of the day. Simple surroundings, but a seafood lover’s paradise! Barbados is the most picturesque island with local people who were so delightful and friendly. A perfect retreat in the Caribbean sunshine with much more to see and do than I ever realised. Call me if you would like to experience Barbados or any other Caribbean island.

26 July 2013

AUSTRALIA Australia is probably my favourite place in the world. I have travelled extensively throughout the country and am passionate about everything this country has to offer the discerning tourist, From the magnificent white sandy beaches to the unique wildlife, not forgetting the fantastic cuisine and wine. There are so many places worth visiting in this diverse country. It is difficult to know where to start, so I will begin with my favourite city in the world. SYDNEY With such iconic buildings like the Sydney Opera House, a tour of which is a must for all visitors, to the Sydney Harbour Bridge where many visitors book the famous Bridge Climb to see the city and harbour and opera house from the best vantage point. Sydney has so much to offer everyone not forgetting the fantastic city beaches of Bondi, Coogee, Manly and the many other smaller beaches dotted around the city. Tauranga Zoo is well worth a visit. The giraffes have the best city view in the whole of Sydney. Fantastic shopping and walking Sydney has the best of everything! Why not base your stay in one of the many hotels or apartments the city has to offer. I have a personal preference for Darling Harbour. This is a great location to see the city. There are many shops and restaurants on the doorstep as well as the Maritime Museum, theatres and the Star City Casino a short walk away. Darling Harbour has great links by public transport too. There is a regular ferry service to Circular Quay, which is the location of the Opera House. The journey is only a few minutes and takes you under the iconic Harbour Bridge. Sydney public transport is exceptional. You can buy a 7 day pass allowing unlimited travel on local busses, trains and ferries these are available for about £20 for a whole week! (not the tourist pass, this is the pass the locals buy!!) A short 2 hour drive from the city brings you to the magnificent Blue Mountains. Excursions to the Blue Mountains and also the Hunter Valley for wine tasting is a great way to spend the day. Some of the other places I have visited in Australia are: MELBOURNE & the Yarra Valley ADELAIDE & Kangaroo Island PERTH, Margaret River & Freemantle BRISBANE, The Gold Coast & The Sunshine Coast CAIRNES, Port Douglas, Palm Cove Kuranda and the Great Barrier Reef. Why not call me if you are interested in travel to any part of Australia. I would love to plan your holiday with you.

26 July 2013

AZAMARA CLUB CRUISES I was lucky enough to sail on a 7 night Mediterranean cruise aboard Azamara Club Cruise ship Journey. Azamara Club Cruises are a relatively new and up market cruise line under the Umbrella of Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises. The ships are smaller and more intimate than those operated by the parent company. On-board the emphasis is most definitely on quality, relaxed sophistication and the destination. The two ‘Boutique Style’ Ships, Azamara Journey and Quest, are both identical and have all the facilities you would expect from an up market cruise line. However they also offer a unique ‘Club Style’ concept which adds to the overall experience. The ships are smart, but informal so there is no necessity to dress up in the evenings. Instead dressing up is optional and you definitely wouldn’t look out of place if you did. I have to admit that the service was without doubt, the friendliest I have experienced on-board any cruise. It was obvious that the staff and all the crew enjoyed their jobs and were all pleased to be on the ship. DESTINATION The itineraries are designed to make the most of the time in port. As the ship is smaller than average, it can sail into smaller ports such as Sorrento. It was great not having to endure the expensive 45 minute taxi journey from Naples! The itineraries allow for many late evening departures and overnight stays, again making the most of the ports of call. Where necessary, Azamara also provided their guests with complimentary transfers to the local town. This was particularly good in Taormina where another luxury cruise company charged 50 Euro return for the same transfer. There are some fantastic itineraries in the brochure, especially for people who want to visit special events such as the Rio Carnival, The Monaco Grand Prix or there is even the opportunity for golfers to sample some of the premier courses in Europe. DINING The dining arrangements on-board were exceptional. Guests can take a full buffet breakfast in the Windows Café which was always very quiet and well organised. Most guests chose to have complimentary room service which consisted of a full menu of traditional cooked breakfast dishes, cereals, fresh fruit etc. It’s great and is virtually everything you’d expect from dining in the restaurant. Lunch was also served in the Windows Café and again, there was a huge selection of exceptional quality dishes, many cooked fresh to order. For dinner there were more options. You could dine in the Windows Café or the main restaurant, Discoveries (any time between 6pm and 9:30pm). There is no need to reserve a table in advance so this made it a very flexible option. In addition there are also two speciality restaurants serving exceptional cuisine, which a small cover charge applies to non-suite guests. DRINKS Complimentary boutique house wines, beers spirits and cocktails are served in all of the restaurants and bars on-board. The ship also has a no charge policy for soft drinks, speciality coffee or tea and fruit juices anywhere on board. This is fantastic and helps make this cruise great value for money. ENTERTAINMENT There is a good programme of entertainment daily. As the ship is quite small the theatre was intimate. Never the less, the entertainment was very varied, enthusiastic and enjoyable. TIPS Tipping is included in the cruise price. THE SHIP The ship is very homely and comfortable. After the recent upgrade, the cabins and public areas are all looking fresh and comfortable SPA There is a very relaxing spa on-board for those who want to pamper themselves, this offers a huge selection of treatments and therapy as well as a well-equipped gym. It’s far bigger than I expected for a ship of this size. STATEROOMS I had a balcony stateroom which was very comfortable and of a good size. It was very practical and had lots of wardrobe, drawer space and hangers for two guests. As with most ships, the bathrooms and showers were a little compact. This cruise is perfect for discerning clients who expect a high level of service and high quality of meals, but in a relaxed atmosphere. I would highly recommend this to any of my clients, particularly those who like good quality boutique style hotels at the same time as getting fantastic value for money! It would be a very good option for people who normally don’t cruise.

27 June 2013

I was recently lucky enough to visit Sri Lanka. It’s a country which has long been on my list of places I would love to visit and I was certainly not disappointed. Our tour was very tightly packed with a mixture of hotel visits and sightseeing which gave me a great insight into the country from a holiday maker’s point of view. It also left me with a wonderful taste of the country, its people and a great wish to go again to enjoy things at my own pace. Our tour started in Galle which was a rather long transfer after our flight from the UK. The ancient port city of Galle is Sri Lanka’s fourth largest town, with a population of around 80,000 inhabitants. It is Sri Lanka’s oldest living city and a designated UNESCO World Heritage site that retains a unique old-world atmosphere. We stayed at the Jetwing Lighthouse hotel. The rooms were full of character and the beds extremely comfortable. There was a lovely pool and it was in a great beachside location. Local tuk tuks are very cheap so you can get to the neatest town easily. The restaurant and buffet meal is good, but not outstanding. I did enjoy my stay here and would recommend the property for people wanting to be by the beach. During our brief stay in Galle we were invited to dinner at The Amangalla Hotel. This is a beautiful colonial property with impressive standards. The hotel is located close to the town and the rooms are very spacious and full of character. It is most definitely a prestigious property! The food was very good although the menu was slightly pricey but worth it. We were then taken to Pinnewala elephant orphanage en route to our next stay in Kandy. The orphanage was set up to save abandoned or orphaned wild elephants. Nowhere else in Sri Lanka are you likely to see so many elephants at such close quarters. They are controlled by their keepers to make sure they feed at the right times and don't endanger anyone, but the elephants are otherwise free to roam around the sanctuary. Kandy at an altitude of 500m is the cultural centre of Sri Lanka and was the capital of the last Sinhalese kingdom. It is a particularly relaxed hill station, once captured by the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British. The lake and the nearby Temple of the Tooth, which houses Sri Lanka’s most sacred relic, a tooth of the Lord Buddha, dominate the city. We also visited the beautiful Peradeniya Botanical Gardens with its fine collection of orchids and a stately avenue of royal palms planted in 1905. Our accommodation was at the Cinnamon Citadel. This hotel was in a beautiful location overlooking the river. The property is in a perfect location for spotting the local bird life and other wildlife with a beautiful pool and public areas. We also visited a number of hotels in this area including the Earls Regency, and Mahaweli Reach – both were fantastic! Our next scheduled stop was the Mattale Spice Gardens. It is well worth a visit as the tour we experienced contained a wealth of interesting facts from a botanical scientist who told us about his research into the use of plants in medicines. Our journey continued to Habarana which took us via the Rock Caves at Dambulla. 150 metres above the road and has a history that is thought to date back as far as the 1st century BC when King Valagam Bahu took refuge here. You can explore these and also visit the rock temple on the vast, sloping rock. From the level of the caves there are superb views over the surrounding countryside. Habarana is near the ruins of the ancient empires of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, Somawathiya, Kalawewa, Namal Uyana, Medirigiriya, Pidurangala and Mihintale. Other places of interest in close proximity include the Kaudulla National Park and the Minneriya Wildlife Park. Our next stop was Cinnamon Lodge, Habarana which was our base for three nights. Service was good and public areas, pool and bar nice. It does need a little money spending, but does have great potential. We visited a number of resorts in this area so just contact me if you need any further information or insight. Our next stop was Negombo which is the closest beach resort to Colombo and the airport. We visited a number of hotels here too, and stayed at the Jetwing Lagoon. It is a lovely holiday property for couples and families. I have a number of tips and advice so please let me know if you’d like to hear more. Sri Lanka is a beautiful country with beautiful, gentle and courteous people. Famous for its wildlife, lush scenery and tea plantations, it makes a perfect holiday destination with lots to see and do as well as excellent sandy beaches to relax at the end of a tour. To me, what made the trip particularly memorable were the local people and excellent food. I would dearly like to return and enjoy the warm hospitality, food and see much more of the wildlife which sadly we had limited time to appreciate. As we visited so many resorts and hotels while we were there I’d love to hear from you if you are thinking about visiting this amazing country.

15 November 2011

CRYSTAL SERENITY I was lucky enough to sail on a 5 night Mediterranean cruise aboard Crystal Serenity between Rome and Athens, calling at Sorrento, Kusadasi & Mykonos. Special arrangements were made for our boarding as we joined the cruise part way through its itinerary. This made boarding very simple and quick, although I am sure that when boarding under normal circumstances, the process would have been very rapid and smooth too. THE SHIP There is no doubt that the ship was pristine and the cabins furnished to a high standard with all cabins having a sizable bathroom with double wash basins and bath with shower over. Due to the larger than average bathroom, the cabin and wardrobe space was a little compromised, but never the less, very comfortable. We did visit a couple of suites which were furnished to a similar high standard, but rather smaller than expected. The size of the suites cannot be compared to most cruise ships, even mainstream ships. The deck and sun area was outstanding. The quality of the sunbeds was exceptional and a wonderful touch was the delightful cabanas, sofas and coffee tables which were all around the pool area. Very comfortable for those who just wish to sit in the sun and enjoy a drink and a conversation with friends. SPA There was a well equipped spa and gym onboard. A wide spa menu was on offer. Prices were very expensive, but probably on par with many cruise ships. Ladies and gents sauna and steam were complimentary. SERVICE The service onboard was particularly good in the Speciality restaurants, Prego and Silk Road as well as the main restaurant, although not as attentive and a bit lacking in enthusiasm at the Lido and Trident Bar & Grill during the daytime. I dined at the Trident most lunch times and had to actually go to a waiter to ask for service each time. Dinner at the Trident was much better and had a nice relaxed atmosphere. Sometimes I got the impression that the waiters were only interested in those buying alcoholic drinks. This was particularly noticeable in the casual restaurants and on the sundeck areas. RESTAURANTS & FOOD The speciality restaurants of Prego (Italian style) and Silk Road (Asian Fusion) were both excellent and could not be faulted for food quality and service. The waiters were very attentive and helpful and the food quality and menu was exceptional. The food and service in the Crystal Dining room was also exceptional. The choice and variety was excellent. The trident has two sections, the first being a grill with self service burgers, chicken etc and the second section open between 1 and 3pm was a waiter service lunchtime menu. Whilst the food in the Trident Grill was also excellent, the service was poor by comparison. Great Ice Cream bar though! The Lido is open for buffet breakfast and again excellent quality and a good choice. It was usually quiet and we never had a problem getting a table. ENTERTAINMENT I was very disappointed in the entertainment. The resident singers offered a couple of shows, but not very professional and apart from the lead male and female singers, the rest appeared to be miming. There was a guest violinist onboard who did an excellent show and saved the day! Whilst you expect the entertainment to be on a smaller scale on a ship this size, I have experienced much more professional shows (and more frequent) on even smaller ships with less passenger capacity. BARS The ship offers complimentary soft drinks at any time. In the evening most of the bars were deserted. Not sure if this was due to the limited passenger numbers, many passengers retiring to bed early or the very high bar prices. From 2012 Crystal will be going All Inclusive, which I am sure will be a good thing. Currently, passengers are allowed to bring their own wine on board, but a charge of $15 per bottle is made for corkage. This seemed to defeat the object, although there was no wine on the menu less than US£46 per bottle. On a ship of this standard, you expect drinks to be expensive, but it was difficult to find a drink under US$12. The ship did lack atmosphere although this may have been because there were only 600 passengers when she normally carries 1000 passengers. DESTINATION The itineraries are designed to make the most of the time in port. As the ship is smaller than average, it can sail into smaller ports such as Sorrento which we visited. It was great not having to endure the expensive 45 minute taxi journey from Naples!! The itineraries allow for many late evening departures and overnight stays, again making the most of the posts of call. Where necessary, Crystal also provided their guests with complimentary transfers to the local town. There are some fantastic itineraries in the brochure with some unique excursions to special events worldwide. GUESTS I would suggest this ship caters mainly for wealthy retired couples and singles (single room supplement often only 25%) with the emphasis on the North American market. Crystal offer a superb product and on the whole, excellent quality although I am not certain that passengers who traditionally travel on smaller luxury ships such as Seaborne or guests who like the relaxed informality yet exceptional service of Azamara would be would be entirely happy.

16 March 2010

INDIA One of the most interesting places I have ever been to must be India. There is so much diversity and culture within this huge country, but the one thing that stands out and is common to every region I have visited is the friendliness and the welcoming people. The one thing that every visitor to India wants to see would be the Taj Mahal. I saw this as part of my Golden Triangle tour which is the perfect introduction to the wonders of north India. The Golden Triangle The three cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur make up India's 'Golden Triangle' and give a fantastic snapshot of the colours and spectacles of this land of wonders. Of the many sights I saw, the highlights had to be the Red Fort in Delhi, the majestic and romantic Taj Mahal in Agra, and the 'Pink City', Jaipur, the capital of the colourful capital of Rajasthan. Delhi. View the Red Fort, the most opulent Fort and Palace of the Mughal Empire. Also pay a visit to Raj Ghat, the memorial site of Mahatma Gandhi, Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India and Chandni Chowk, the bustling and colourful market of the old city. Note: The Red Fort in Delhi is closed on Mondays. Agra. For me the highlight of the tour was to view the magnificent Taj Mahal. Built by an emperor in memory of his beloved queen, the marble exterior reflects rose and golden tints at sunrise and sunset, while it is dazzling white during the day. Also in Agra I saw the famous Fort, a very special place to visit with its intriguing history. Note: The Taj Mahal is closed on Friday Jaipur. Our route to Jaipur took us to Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted sandstone city built by Emperor Akbar and a popular stopping place for travellers. Once in Jaipur I made a visit to the impressive Amber Fort and explored the magnificent royal halls. Another “must” is a city tour which will include the City Palace Museum, where you can see an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal Art. Then onto Jantar Mantar observatory, a photo stop outside the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) and visit the local markets and shops. Kerela, “Gods Own Country” After such a busy week it is important to spend time relaxing. I took a short flight to Cochin, Kerela where I spend time staying with an Indian family in the small hillside town of Munnar. This small community is in one of the best tea growing areas of Southern India. The scenery is magnificent and very lush and a complete contrast to the northern cities I had previously visited. I even made the journey to the highest tea factory in the world, located about 2 hours drive from Munnar. After spending two nights in Munnar, I went back down the hillside to Alleppey where I again spent a couple of nights at the most wonderful private home, Vembanard House which is located directly on Lake. The home had just four guest rooms each with private facilities and the location was idyllic. On the second day I boarded a houseboat which was moored right in front of the house. Guests can hire the houseboat overnight and they can enjoy a leisurely cruise along the lake and backwaters of Kerela. The rooms were exceptional as was the food provided. It was such a great opportunity to stay at private homes in Kerela. Whilst simple, the accommodation was very clean and comfortable. The highlight for me was meeting the home owners who took a great pride in cooking local specialities for their guests. Cookery lessons were even offered to the guests who wanted to learn more about Indian Cuisine. Yes, I did try to cook a couple of dishes too! GOA I have also visited Goa and will be happy to chat to you about this region too. Please call me for advice.